Miyetti Allah laments over  repeated attacks on  Benue communities

…. appeals to FG for Intervention

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State has appealed to the Federal and State governments  to urgently intervene in the ongoing attacks on some communities in Benue State.

They particularly called on the government at all levels to look into the alleged attacks on some settlements in Anwule community in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state, where they lost few of their members and 30 cows.

It would be recalled that both the villagers and  miyetti Allah members have accused each other of repeated attacks in recent times, with locals of Anwule alleging that the herders killed seven persons some days ago during an unprovoked attack.

But  the  Chairman of MACBAN, Ardo Risku Muhammad in a statement on Friday which he issued and made available to newsmen in Makurdi, alleged that members of the Awule community, abetted some personnel of the Benue State Volunteer Guard to aunched coordinated assaults on the herders settlements in the area.

He alleged  that the crisis began in late August 2025 when six herding settlements were reportedly razed, 30 cows killed, and many others rustled. 

“During the incident, six (6) Fulani settlements were completely burned and destroyed, thirty (30) cows were killed and many were rustled and one herder, Mr. Isu Abdulkarim (popularly known as Dere), was brutally murdered. His remains have not been recovered despite several search efforts by his relatives and community members.

“Since that initial attack, the violence has continued, resulting in further loss of lives and property. On 3rd November, 2025, another herder, Mr. Muhammadu Ali, was ambushed and attacked while peacefully grazing his cattle. Several of his cows were killed during the assault.

“The following day, 4th November, 2025, while Mr. Ali and his servant, Mr. Hamisu Jaube, went in search of the missing animals, they were again ambushed by the same group. Mr. Muhammadu Ali was shot and killed instantly, while Mr. Hamisu narrowly escaped.

“It is important to note that no single incident has occurred without MACBAN immediately reporting to the relevant authorities, including the Nigeria Police Force (Ohimini Division) and the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Makurdi.

The group said all incidents were promptly reported to the police and the State Criminal Investigation Department in Makurdi but lamented that no arrests had been made, allowing the attackers to operate freely.

“Reacting to reports suggesting that the crisis was triggered by the destruction of farmlands by herders, MACBAN dismissed the claim as false and misleading as they maintained that the violence stemmed from cattle rustling and targeted attacks on herders.

“We are  peaceful and law-abiding citizens, therefore the ongoing violence and destruction had created fear and insecurity among herding communities in Ohimini and neighbouring areas.

“We also urge Governor Hyacinth Alia to direct security agencies to restore peace in the affected communities. It also called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to investigate the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The  National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) should provide humanitarian relief to displaced herders while we encourage media organisations, civil society, and human rights groups to take interest in the matter to prevent escalation.

“The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) reiterates its commitment to peace, dialogue, and mutual coexistence among all communities in Benue State.

 “However, we firmly condemn the ongoing attacks, killings, and destruction of property, and we call on all relevant authorities to act swiftly to restore peace and justice”, the statement concluded.